Work has now begun on the Kelvingrove Bowls Centre, which will host the Lawn Bowls competition at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

The centre is located immediately adjacent to the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and close to the University of Glasgow. All five bowling greens will be upgraded to international standard for use during the Games for competition, warm-up and training. Works will include the installation of a new drainage system, the complete reconstruction of greens and ditches incorporating a new automated irrigation scheme and there will be seating for around 2,500 spectators.

Once complete, the new bowling venue will be among the finest in Scotland.

A project to deliver a new pavilion to meet the legacy requirements of club members and casual users following the Games is currently being developed by Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life.

Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive John Scott said: “Lawn Bowls is a fantastic sport which holds a very special place at the heart of the Commonwealth Games movement. This beautiful venue will provide our athletes with first class facilities in a great location, showcasing the best of Glasgow.”

Michael Cavanagh, Chair, Commonwealth Games Scotland said: “Lawn Bowls is a huge sport in Scotland and I know our bowlers will get a real buzz from competing in front of such a knowledgeable home crowd, against such a historic backdrop. We have a strong tradition of success in lawn bowls and I know that a home Games will make our bowlers even more determined to do well.”

This first phase is expected to be completed by early summer in 2011, with the entire project expected to be complete by summer 2012.